How to trace a postal money order

Kristie LoretteUpdated February 21, 2017

Postal money orders are a very secure way to send prepaid payments without using a bank account or debit card. Although there have been instances of counterfeiting with money orders, they offer many security features, such as watermarks, coloured inks and security strips, that make them safer than personal checks. Tracing a money order is an easy process that you can do online or offline.

Go to the official website of the United States Postal Service. Select "Track & Confirm" on the main toolbar to track your money order.

Enter your tracking number, otherwise known as the serial number or purchasing number, into the appropriate fields for tracking.

View all information about your purchased money order, including whether or not it the recipient has cashed the money order.

Provide them with your tracking number, otherwise known as your serial number, found on your receipt stub.

Receive information on your money order purchase.

Take the money order receipt stub with tracking number to the postal office where you purchased the money order.

Fill out any required forms with all information about the money order purchase. This process may include a fee. .

Receive information on your money order purchase.

Tip

If you have lost your receipt and cannot find your tracking number, you may still be able to trace your money order. This will require you to speak in person to someone at the post office location where you purchased your money order. You will have to fill out forms about your purchase, including the recipient, the date of purchase and the money order amount. This process will usually involve a small fee, but in most cases, you will be able to retrieve your tracking number and trace the money order. During the process of tracing your money order, you will be able to find out if it has been cashed and by whom. If your money order has not been cashed, you may fill out papers and pay a fee to stop the transaction and receive a refund for the amount of the money order.

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About the Author

Kristie Lorette started writing professionally in 1996. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in marketing and multinational business from Florida State University and a Master of Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University. Her work has appeared online at Bill Savings, Money Smart Life and Mortgage Loan.